Teri J Franks1, Jeffrey R Galvin. 1. Department of Pulmonary and Mediastinal Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC 20306, USA. frankst@afip.osd.mil
Abstract
CONTEXT: Tumors with neuroendocrine morphology are a distinct subset of lung neoplasms sharing characteristic histologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular features. OBJECTIVE: To review the current histologic classification and the diagnostic criteria for the major categories of neuroendocrine tumors of the lung. DATA SOURCES: Published classification systems from the World Health Organization and pertinent peer-reviewed articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine) form the basis of this review. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate classification of the neuroendocrine tumors of the lung requires knowledge of specific criteria separating the major categories, which is essential for determining prognosis and treatment.
CONTEXT: Tumors with neuroendocrine morphology are a distinct subset of lung neoplasms sharing characteristic histologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular features. OBJECTIVE: To review the current histologic classification and the diagnostic criteria for the major categories of neuroendocrine tumors of the lung. DATA SOURCES: Published classification systems from the World Health Organization and pertinent peer-reviewed articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine) form the basis of this review. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate classification of the neuroendocrine tumors of the lung requires knowledge of specific criteria separating the major categories, which is essential for determining prognosis and treatment.